Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

Can you believe August is already here? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

Royal Caribbean announced this week it has hired Dr. Calvin Johnson to serve as the cruise line's first ever Chief Medical Officer.

This new role will tackle the needs of the global health and wellness policy, manage its public health and clinical practice, and determine the strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organization.

In addition, Dr. Johnson will  collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure the company establishes and implements its protocols and recommendations. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Despite rumors online, Royal Caribbean has not sold Empress of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean's parent company has renamed itself (and dropped the word cruise from the name).
• Artist renderings for a new sports deck design appeared online.
• Royal Caribbean is working on a new main dining room menu.
• Royal Caribbean ships moved west to avoid path of Hurricane Isaias.
• I asked Royal Caribbean fans if they would feel safe going back on a cruise.
• While NCL cancelled more cruises this week, Royal Caribbean has not done the same.
• An inside look at how Royal Caribbean transformed an onboard game to a mobile game to download at home.
• Top 10 health concerns on a cruise ship Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Panel will address.
• Anthem of the Seas is underoing maintenance work at a French shipyard.
• Royal Caribbean Group has scheduled its second quarter earnings call with analysts.
• 6 really interesting facts about Royal Caribbean's new cruise safety drill.
• A new Cruise Planner sale on excursions, drink packages and more began this week.
• Check out these common myths about a Royal Caribbean cruise that are not true.
• Here is how to avoid being seated with people you don't know during dinner.
• How much is the drink package on Royal Caribbean?
• Is Royal Caribbean's WiFi worth it?
• A German cruise line started back up, which could be a preview of what to expect on Royal Caribbean.

New RCB Video: 10 Things Every Cruiser Needs Before You Go On A Cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Things Every Cruiser Needs Before You Go On A Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean CEO updates what the cruise line is doing during shutdown

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley emailed its customer loyalty program members to provide an update on what the cruise line is doing during the shutdown.

The lengthy email touch on a number of topics that have been frequently asked by guests during Royal Caribbean's global cruise shutdown, including repatriating crew members, where the ships are, and more.

Mr. Bailey also touched on the work being done to get cruises back operating again, which falls under the cruise line's Healthy Return to Service program.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Cruisers were happy to hear this week that Royal Caribbean has reimagined the muster drill with a new electronic version.

Dubbed "Muster 2.0", this new safety drill approach will not only promote social distancing, but will also make the safety drill process a heck of a lot more convenient for guests.

Instead of standing in line at the muster station to listen for instructions, guests will be able to do much of the drill from their mobile device or stateroom television, and then simply report to their muster station to complete the process.

Royal Caribbean News

• The ability to cancel cruises with no penalty, as well as Lift & Shift, has been extended.
• Richard Fain commented the situation in the United States is "embarassing" compared to the rest of the world.
• The CDC wants feedback from the public on how cruises should restart.
• Top 10 questions about the new Muster 2.0 process.
• CLIA wants cruise lines to work closer with CDC to resume cruises.
• The Bahamas announced it has closed its borders to cruise ships.
• Refunds are flowing quite quickly now for guests with cancelled cruises.
• We looked back on the significant role Sovereign of the Seas played in changing the cruise industry.
• Here are some top things that are totally worth paying extra for on a cruise.
• Families can play a video game at home, directly ported from Adventure Ocean.
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• Ever wondered why the CDC regulates cruise ships?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 364th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Steve shares a story about his big win(s) in Casino Royale.

Anytime you go to the casino, you dream of winning it big, but it rarely happens. This week, Steve shares how he won three different jackpots on one cruise!

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 50 Royal Caribbean tips you should know in 10 minutes

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 50 Royal Caribbean tips you should know in 10 minutes — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What needs to happen before cruises can start again

The big question on everyone's mind is when will cruises actually start again, but first a few things need to happen first.

While the answer is nobody knows when it may happen, there are some important steps that need to occur first in order for Royal Caribbean and other lines to start up again.

The general public is not privy to every single step that may need to occur, but there are some big tasks remaining in the way of cruise ships welcoming guests back onboard.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

The big news this week was when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement it has extended the "No Sail Order" until September 30.

 As a result, Royal Caribbean extended its voluntary cruise suspension through the same time period.

Royal Caribbean confirmed its new target date to resume operations is October 1, 2020.

Royal Caribbean News

• Wonder of the Seas will be delayed from her 2021 arrival.
• Richard Fain talked about social distancing, corporate name change and more this week.
• Two former Royal Caribbean ships will be sold from Pullmantur's fleet.
• Meyer Werft shipyard will shut down for six weeks due to financial difficulties.
• The delay in refunds is now under a month for cancelled cruises.
• Royal Caribbean updated the look of its booking engine on its website.
• Here are some of the best Royal Caribbean dining hacks to try.
• What are the differences between Royal Caribbean's 1D, 2D, 4D, etc balcony rooms?
• A list of do's and don'ts when visiting Labadee.
• Here is a look at where all of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are around the world.
• Top 5 things you can buy for a cruise that are totally not worth it.
• There is still time to take advantage of a sale on pre-cruise purchases.
• Four ports that probably wont get bigger cruise ships in the future.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 363rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Donal shares the story of how cruising formed new friendships.

This week's cruise story is about the power of cruises, and how Donal booked a cruise and met some people onboard who ended up becoming great friends.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

No, nobody knows if the cruise you have booked will actually sail

If there is one question everyone wants to know, it is if their Royal Caribbean cruise booked for later this year or in 2021 will be actually sail, and the truth is no one really knows.

Simply put, there is not enough information and too many variables to come up with odds or wager a guess at what may or may not happen.

While it stands to reason the further out your cruise is, the more time you have for the global health situation to improve, it is impossible to quantify or wager a guess as to which sailings may or may not occur.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean revealed this week its blue ribbon panel of health experts that will create a set of enhanced cruise line health and safety protocols.

The Healthy Sail Panel is comprised of top experts in public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations in response to the current global health crisis.

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain spoke with one of the Healthy Sail Panel's co-chairmen, Governor Mike Leavitt, that shed more light onto how this panel was created, where it is going, and what its goals are in order to get cruise ships sailing again.

The Healthy Sail Panel has been working for almost a month, and should have its initial recommendations by the end of August.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's parent company changed its name.
• A look at where Royal Caribbean is now, and what's next for cruises.
• Odyssey of the Seas has reached a new construction milestone this week.
• Royal Caribbean expects new health protocols to be announced by the end of August.
• How to avoid the most common cruise drink package mistakes.
• Answers to the most commonly asked Lift & Shift questions.
• Tips for getting the most value from staying in a suite.
• How to make the most of your time on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The top 10 extra costs not included in a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 362nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Kelly shares how a few setbacks did not ruin a great cruise vacation.

This week's cruise story is about how cancelled cruises (plural) can eventually result in a great cruise vacation.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean will add social distancing on its cruise ships

One of the new health protocols you can expect to find on Royal Caribbean will be social distancing onboard when its resumes cruises.

Royal Caribbean expects initially to reduce the overall guest capacity on board its fleets to allow for easier social distancing.

As of right now, reducing guest capacity is not expected to be permanent.

In addition, other forms of social distancing are being explored, including reduced capacity at dining and other public venues, staggered embarkation and check-in and the addition of more options for entertainment such as additional show times to allow for social distancing.

Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it has cancelled all of the inaugural Odyssey of the Seas sailings between November 2020 and April 2021.

Odyssey's sailings were cancelled as a result of the current health crisis, issues at the shipyard, as well as Royal Caribbean's supply chain.

In addition to the cancelled sailings, Royal Caribbean also announced two other changes to Odyssey of the Seas.

First, the trapeze school will no longer be a feature of the SeaPlex.

Second, the age restrictions for the Sky Pad virtual trampoline experience will change: guests must be at least 7 years old to jump, and at least 13 years old to jump with a virtual reality headset.

Royal Caribbean News

• A shipyard fire on Odyssey of the Seas occurred recently.
• It looks like Royal Caribbean will have reduced capacity when cruises start again.
• The European Union published a set of health recommendations for cruise lines once cruising resumes.
• Royal Caribbean has repatriated 95% of its crew members.
• Liberty of the Seas will resume sailings from Galveston in 2021 earlier than scheduled.
• How to make "fall off the bone" BBQ ribs at home, just like the ones from Portside BBQ.
• A look at how Royal Caribbean celebrates July 4th on its ships.
• Five projects that did not go the way Royal Caribbean planned.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 361st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which debates if you should take your kids out of school to go on a cruise.

Lisa and Matt talk about the important considerations families should consider before pulling kids out of school for a cruise, and what steps they can take to make the process as easy on everyone as possible.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

There will be a buffet on Royal Caribbean ships when cruises resume

Among the many chances Royal Caribbean could take once cruises resume, one of them is if the buffet onboard will still be available.

Royal Caribbean's head of food and beverage has confirmed that there will indeed be a buffet option onboard, but with a few tweaks.

Linken D'Souza spoke to travel agents about what will happen to the Windjammer, and was very clear that the buffet will be available onboard.

"We will absolutely have a Windjammer with all of your favorites in a very similar fashion to what you've had previously and maybe some different service steps to ensure healthy service."

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it cancelled more cruises, extending its cruise suspension through September 15, 2020.

The cruise line's announcement comes a few days after Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade group announced its member cruise lines will cancel all cruises from U.S. ports until September 15, 2020.

Exceptions to this timeline include China sailings paused through July onboard Spectrum of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, as well as the further suspension of the 2020 Bermuda season onboard Grandeur of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas through October 31, 2020.  Voyager of the Seas sailings through September 30th, 2020 have also been cancelled.

Royal Caribbean plans to resume sailings on September 16, 2020 for the majority of its fleet.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean subsidiary Pullmantur Cruises to be reorganized.
• Water bottles have been replaced by water cans.
• You should expect cruise prices to go up soon.
• New Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update.
• Up to 45% off pre-cruise purchases during Royal Caribbean's Summer Sale.
• If your cruise was cancelled, here is what you should do now.
• It looks like cruise bookings for 2021 are being booked by a lot of people.
• Royal Caribbean has added a way to combine Future Cruise Credits instead of them being reissued.
• The worst cruise mistakes our readers have made on a ship.
• The do's and don'ts of Symphony of the Seas.
• 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
• Check out these expert-level cruise tips that all the cruise pros use.
• Five times Royal Caribbean changed its mind after announcing something

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 360th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring how Ryan proposed to his girlfriend while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Ryan took his girlfriend on Oasis of the Seas, and shares what steps he took to plan the perfect proposal.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Five costly lessons learned on a cruise

We all make mistakes, including some that cost a lot in the long run, so I wanted to share how to avoid making five really costly lessons-learned on a cruise.

Going on vacation means spending money to splurge and enjoy yourself, but it does not have to mean wasting money. There are plenty of first-time cruise mistakes to avoid, and a few of them could really cost you in the long run.

The proverb, "Experience is The Best Teacher" holds true even on cruises, because there are a few mistakes that could cost you a lot of money.

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

The big news this week is the apparent extension of cruise cancellations from U.S. ports through September 15, 2020.

The Cruise Lines International Association made the announcement that its member lines will voluntarily extend the suspension of U.S. cruise passenger operations until September 15, 2020.

Royal Caribbean has not announced the change on their end, but the cruise line has already taken down those likely cancelled sailings from its website.

Royal Caribbean posted on their website it will share more details about this announcement with guests early next week.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will shift its cruises from Venice to Ravenna in 2021.
• The CDC is not sure when it will be safe for cruises to resume.
• One Wall Street analyst thinks the CDC is to blame for cruises not starting back up sooner.
• The new Allure of the Seas sailings from Port Everglades in winter 2021 are available to book.
• New Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update was posted this week.
• A look at what was added to each ship during its Royal Amplification refurbishment.
• What is the best Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant? Our readers weighed on which one they like the most.
• The top things you didn't know travel agents can do for your cruise vacation.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked video game characters.
• How do I pick the perfect first cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 359th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring Pippa's story of taking her kids on their first cruise

The transition from cruising as adults to cruising with kids is always significant, and Pippa shares the story of when she took her kids on their first cruise and what her experience was like.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Richard Fain speaks out on racism & cruises starting up

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman & CEO Richard Fain posted a new video this week, talking about what his cruise line is doing behind-the-scenes to ensure cruise ships are safe, as well as comment on the George Floyd death.

From his home in South Florida, Mr. Fain started out talking about Royal Caribbean's commitment to working with government authorities in crafting a safe and balanced approach to returning to service. 

In addition, Mr. Fain took time to address the issue of racism, and how important it is for everyone to start conversations on this topic and address the challenges, with the hope it leads to real change.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

The big cruise news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement that it has postponed indefinitely its upcoming Royal Amplification projects.

Four ships had upgrades scheduled this year and next year, but those are now on hold until further notice.

While technical dry docks may still occur (where the propulsion and necessary maintenance upgrades take place), new features, activities and amenities will not be added as scheduled for Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.

Despite the news, Royal Caribbean says they still plan to complete the delayed cruise ship makeovers at a later date.

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas will not sail from Galveston in winter 2021-2022.
• Three ships will sail from Australia in 2021-2022.
• Could this be the eMuster functionality we think is coming to cruise ships?
• Royal Caribbean pushes back China sailings return & cancels Denmark cruises.
• You can now use a Future Cruise Credit to pay for a Royal Caribbean cruise deposit.
• Royal Caribbean provided an update on how many crew members it has repatriated.
• The top ten Royal Caribbean questions people are searching for on Google.
• Five lessons I've learned from all of these cancelled cruises.
• Latest Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update.
• Navigator of the Seas tips & best things to do.
• How do you get free drink packages on Royal Caribbean?
• US Passport service is starting to resume again.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 358th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring the story of Donna's attempt to add some family fun to their cruise.

In this episode, Donna tells us about her family Olympics idea that she incorporated into a Radiance of the Seas cruise as an ongoing activity the family was able to enjoy throughout the cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

What I wish I'd known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise

There are so many times in life that we wish we could go back in time and change what we did based on what we know now, including avoiding mistakes on a cruise ship.

Looking back on the cruises I have taken, I compiled the top things I wish I knew before I ever got onboard any Royal Caribbean ship.

Learn from what I have learned over the past few years, and check out these tips for avoiding common cruise mistakes.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean pulled the plug on its 2020 Alaska, Hawaii and Canada cruises, following a decision by Canada to ban cruise ships through the end of October.

Royal Caribbean indicated itineraries touching on a Canadian port through October 2020 are suspended.

Without the ability to visit Canadian ports, Royal Caribbean cruises cannot legally offer sailings because of U.S. cabotage laws that require foreign-flagged vessels leaving from a U.S. port of call to first call on a "distant foreign port" before returning to the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain suggested "new normal" is what the cruise industry has always done.
• Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami will begin reopening next week.
• Norwegian Cruise Line announced their new onboard health policies for crew and guests onboard its ships.
• A new cruise planner sale kicked off this week.
• Royal Caribbean announced up to $2 billion in bonds and announced pricing for them.
• Photos of Majesty and Jewel of the Seas in Southampton helping repatriate crew members.
• The CDC will use a color-coded system to classify cruise ships during the shutdown.
• 10 weird things about Royal Caribbean cruises that no one tells you about.
• Why you should book an inside room.
• Top 10 things to do before going on a cruise.
• What is the best time to cruise to the Caribbean?
• Wall Street thinks it will take years for Royal Caribbean's revenue to recover.
• What happens if you want to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise this year?
• Here is a list of what you can not bring on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 357th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring the story of two brothers who cruise annually together.

In this episode, Joe shares how he and his brother take a "bro cruise" every year as an opportunity to catch up with family, as well as enjoy their favorite way to vacation.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Do's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is packed with so many activities for families to enjoy, and it has quickly become a must-visit destination for lots of cruisers.

If you are looking to make the most of your visit to this private island, I have compiled a list of thirteen do's and don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay to ensure your next visit is flawless.

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

Bad news came down from north of the border this week, when Canada announced it would extend its ban on cruise ships through October 31, 2020.

The ban of cruise ships in Canadian waters makes operating cruises to Alaska or New England effectively impossible because U.S. cabotage laws require foreign-flagged vessels leaving from a U.S. port of call to first call on a "distant foreign port" before returning to the United States.

Royal Caribbean has promised an update on affected sailings by Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean News

• There will not be overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Changes made once cruising resumes may not be permanent changes.
• Royal Caribbean hired back over 100 laid off workers to help answer phones.
• Richard Fain published a new video about new protocols and procedures.
• Royal Caribbean's stock price has seen a resurgence recently.
• Is a cruise drink package worth buying?
• Here are the ways to get a cheap cruise.
• Ever thought about trying a repositioning cruise?
• Learn all about solo cruises on Royal Caribbean.
• Here is what you need to know to decide between the passport book vs card.
• Top 9 bad mistakes made when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Haines, Alaska wants more Royal Caribbean ships to visit.
• Test your knowledge with our Royal Caribbean brain teaser trivia.
• Here is how to have cruise ship fun at home while there are no sailings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 356th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that shares the story of Bryan's family cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Bryan took this family on Allure of the Seas for a family vacation that redefined what the new standard of family fun was for his clan.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! I would appreciate it.

Would you cruise if wearing a mask is mandatory?

Many tourist businesses opening back up now are requiring guests to wear masks, and the question is if Royal Caribbean will do the same.

I polled over two thousand people who typically go on Royal Caribbean if they would cruise again assuming wearing a mask was mandatory, and it was clear how readers felt about wearing a mask.

Royal Caribbean has not divulged any specifics of the plans and protocols in intends to introduce once cruising resume, but many believe wearing a mask onboard the ship might be included as part of the new rules.